Freedom Planet 2, the highly anticipated port of the sequel developed by GalaxyTrail that’s being published on consoles by Marvelous and XSEED, blasts onto the PlayStation 5, continuing the high-speed, action-packed adventures of its beloved heroines. Set in the vibrant world of Avalice, the game follows the journey of four playable characters: Lilac the Dragon, Carol the Wildcat, Milla the Hound, and the newcomer Neera the Frost Knight. As an homage to the classic 2D platformers of yesteryears, particularly Sonic the Hedgehog, Freedom Planet 2 is an fantastic experience for fans of the genre and it’s been worth the wait since the beloved PC launch from 2022.
The narrative of Freedom Planet 2 picks up where its predecessor left off, with a brand new villain threatening the peace of Avalice. As the plot mostly serves as a backdrop to the action-packed gameplay rather than being an integral part of it, it’s clear that the focus lies more on delivering an engaging experience rather than a deeply intricate storyline. The narrative elements provide just enough context to drive the player forward, but it’s the gameplay mechanics that truly shine and take front and center.
One of the standout features of Freedom Planet 2 is its incredible graphics and aesthetics, paying homage to the 16-bit era with extremely detailed pixel art. Every level is a visual feast, bursting with vibrant colors and stunning environments that capture the essence of classic platformers. The character designs are charming, and the animations are fluid, bringing the world of Avalice to life. Accompanying the breathtaking visuals is an exceptional soundtrack that perfectly complements the on-screen action. The music, which will make you feel nostalgic for the games we were playing three decades ago, immerses players in the fast-paced world of Freedom Planet 2, enhancing the overall experience. However, while the voice acting adds personality to the characters, some of the voice work and writing isn’t all that great.
In terms of gameplay, Freedom Planet 2 offers a seamless blend of platforming and combat, with each of the four playable characters possessing unique abilities and playstyles. The level design is also top-notch, featuring expansive environments filled with secrets and challenges to uncover. However, while traversal is a lot of fun thanks to the game’s fluid controls and mechanics, combat can feel a bit floaty, and the boss fights, while visually impressive, may prove frustratingly difficult and overly challenging for some players.
Despite its flaws, Freedom Planet 2 excels in delivering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the classic 2D platformer genre. With its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters, it’s a worthy sequel that will keep players coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of retro platformers or simply looking for a fun and fast-paced adventure, Freedom Planet 2 is a must-play title on the PlayStation 5. It’s a lot like the classic Sonic games – but actually better than them in a few ways as well.
Score: 8.2/10
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